Few, if any, political leaders have instilled the love and respect that Nelson Mandela has over the last two decades.

Born in 1918, he became a militant anti-apartheid activist, co-founding the armed wing of the African National Congress - leading to his arrest and imprisonment in 1962.

Finally released 27 years later, he led South Africa to democracy in 1994. He became the country's president and - just as important - a vital part of the search for truth and reconciliation.

From the Spice Girls to Michael Jackson, many a celeb has flocked to his side to have some of that stardust rub off on them. As we celebrate his 94th birthday today, here are some of the best snaps.

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Nelson Mandela poses with the Prince of Wales and the Spice Girls in 1997, when Prince Charles and Harry attended a concert in Johannesburg in aid of Nations Trust, at which the Spice Girls performed
Copyright: PA Images John Stillwell/PA Archive
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